While New Dawn policy is set by its Board of Trustees, the Board delegates day-to-day decision making to the Executive Director and holds the Executive Director responsible for the administration of policy, the execution of Board decisions, the operation of New Dawn and for keeping the Board informed about the operation of the school and other functions. In turn, the Executive Director delegates responsibility to members of the Leadership Team as necessary to ensure the efficient operation of New Dawn.
Dr. Sara Asmussen, Executive Director of New Dawn Charter Schools, is from the state of Idaho and is an avid cat-lover. She is passionate about helping every student succeed. She has dedicated her career to being a champion for students, parents and families, faculty, and staff. She is responsible for all school operations and she is accountable to our Board of Trustees. Dr. Asmussen guides the policy of the school and follows through with Board decisions on a day to day basis.
In addition, Dr. A has been awarded numerous grant and funding opportunities. She has led the charge during financing, purchase, and full renovation of our founding location at 242 Hoyt Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
E-mail: [email protected]
In 2019, Mr. Steve Ramkissoon, joined New Dawn Charter Schools as the Director of Finance and Human Resources. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Baruch College in Business Administration and Policy Analysis. He comes to our organization with over 15 years of progressive experience overseeing Human Resources, Operations and Finance functions in a myriad of industries. Most recently, he served as the Director of Human Resources and Administrative Operations at Transit Wireless, LLC., where he was a key member of the Executive team growing the organization from 5 to 115 employees. In this capacity, he was able to manage all recruitment, succession planning, and strategic initiatives including policies, protocols, and training programs. Previous to this role he performed as Controller and Human Resources Lead.
Mr. Ramkissoon obtained a Certified Professional certification through the Society of Human Resources Management, a Certification of Professional Human Resources Management from Pace University, an Accelerating Change Readiness and Agility certification from the University of California - Berkley, and a certification in Leading Strategic Growth from Columbia University.
In his role at New Dawn Charter Schools, he has had the opportunity to delve into the day-to-day fiscal operations of our network of schools, liaise with our accounting groups, he has lead the charge for increasing benefit plans and opportunities for employees such as implementing a new FSA program in 2020. As a member of the Human Resources committee, Mr. Ramkissoon is able to collaborate with staff and faculty members in order to foster and implement ideas within the school community.
E-mail: [email protected]
September 2017 saw Jose Obregon become a member of New Dawn Charter Schools as Director of Operations. An alumni of Aviation High School in New York City, after graduating, Jose joined the Army National Guard. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Political Science from Excelsior College in Albany, New York. Upon graduating from college, Jose entered active duty and served for over 22 years in the U.S. Army. During his military career, Jose held various command and staff positions. Jose's last assignment was that of officer in charge of Forward Operating Base Summerall in Bayi, Iraq from 2004-2005. Jose retired from active military service in 2006. Additionally, Mr. Obregon earned a Master of Science degree in Security Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.
He joined the public charter school system in New York City upon retiring from military service. In the last 14 years, Jose has been instrumental in organizing and opening several charter schools in the Bronx and Brooklyn, New York. In his first charter school assignment, Jose was the New Charter School’s Business Manager and the founding Principal’s Senior Administrator. This role expanded, and he was set in the role of Facilities Manager where he was responsible for all facilities and security oversight of seven affiliated schools. Mr. Obregon later performed in an operations/facilities manager capacity in another charter school network also located in the Bronx, New York. Similarly to his last role, he is responsible for various functions within our network of schools including the oversight of daily operational tasks and manages the school food program, student transportation, finance, facilities, and compliance reporting. During Jose’s last charter school assignment and in the absence of the Principal, Jose was the senior administrator in charge for six months before being selected for his current role at New Dawn Charter Schools. In his tenure at New Dawn Charter Schools, Mr. Obregon has successfully managed a temporary move from our founding location for one year, was instrumental in opening and executing all operational procedures for New Dawn Charter High School II in Jamaica, Queens, and leads our Security, Maintenance, and Office staff. He is also a member of the New Dawn Charter Schools Safety Committee.
In April 2021, Mr. Obregon added Student Support Services to his role, supervising counseling, ENL, and SPED services.
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Holding a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Dowling College, Ms. Lobato has been teaching special education for the past 20 years, ranging from Early Intervention services to high school students with a variety of populations. Her experience also ranges from classroom teacher to administrative roles both in public and private school settings, but she always maintains a connection with students by teaching classes and collaborating with faculty. Donna enjoys the challenging of finding ways and strategies to support student success. When she is not working Donna enjoys time on the beach with a good book.
E-mail: [email protected]
Hailing from Central New York, Ms. Emily Predmore serves as the Data Specialist for New Dawn Charter Schools. She holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and Neural/Behavioral Science from Haverford College, located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and a master’s degree in Adolescent Science Education from New York University. She has worn many hats in her career as she worked in retail management, taught middle school science, and served as the founding science teacher at the opening of New Dawn Charter High School II in Jamaica throughout the years. More recently, she coordinated the pivot to remote instruction for New Dawn Charter Schools throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned into the Data Specialist role in fall 2022, which she has served in since. Her responsibilities include data management, technology troubleshooting, and website management. In her spare time, she is an avid sports fan and enjoys attending MLB and NFL games as well as reading and studying sociology.
E-mail: [email protected]
Ashish C. Abraham is a New York State–certified science educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University at Buffalo and a Master’s degree in Adolescent Education from Adelphi University, where he was a NOYCE Scholar. He also holds a paralegal certificate, reflecting a diverse academic foundation that supports both analytical thinking and structured problem-solving.
He began his career in retail banking before transitioning into education, where he has served as a high school science teacher and expanded into leadership roles in student and staff recruitment, marketing, and program development. In addition to his work in schools, Ashish is an entrepreneur and educational consultant, supporting private school systems in implementing science curriculum, designing lab experiences, and teaching through multimodal, hands-on approaches. He is also the creator of a “draw-to-learn” science resource designed for visual and kinesthetic learners.
Currently, Ashish serves as a Student and Staff Enrollment, Recruitment, Grant Writing, and Marketing Specialist, where he leads enrollment strategy and outreach initiatives to increase access for students. Outside of his professional work, he is an avid follower of technology, bioengineering, and space exploration, and enjoys fig and berry cultivation, combining hands-on experimentation with a passion for growth and sustainability.
E-mail: [email protected]
Details Coming Soon!
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Ms. Annick is the Manager of the College and Career Department at New Dawn Charter High School, where she has been supporting students and staff in the Internship/ Career Readiness department for over four years. She holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and brings nearly 20 years of experience working across a range of educational institutions. Throughout her career, she has worked with both high school and college students, guiding them as they navigate their academic and career pathways. Ms. Annick is deeply committed to empowering students to reach their full potential and achieve their postsecondary goals. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and relaxing at the beach.
E-mail: [email protected]
Dr. Sara Asmussen, Executive Director of New Dawn Charter Schools, is from the state of Idaho and is an avid cat-lover. She is passionate about helping every student succeed. She has dedicated her career to being a champion for students, parents and families, faculty, and staff. She is responsible for all school operations and she is accountable to our Board of Trustees. Dr. Asmussen guides the policy of the school and follows through with Board decisions on a day to day basis.
In addition, Dr. A has been awarded numerous grant and funding opportunities. She has led the charge during financing, purchase, and full renovation of our founding location at 242 Hoyt Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
