At New Dawn Charter Schools we value, above all, our relationships with students, parents, and guardians. In addition to our core academic, internship, and college programs, we are proud to focus on our students social and emotional needs by providing every one with a Mentor in the building. Each of our faculty and staff members are mentors to our students. If you are looking to reach a teacher, administrator, or mentor, please feel free to contact them from this list or through our learning management system Jupiter Ed
CEO and Founder
Principal
Dean of School
Parent Coordinator
College and Career Readiness Manager
School Counselor
School Counselor
School Counselor
Behavior Specialist
Ms. Lisa Dickler Awano,
Development Specialist of Method for Writing the Research Paper,
ELA Teacher and Social Justice Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Richard Seibert, ELA Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Nyddia Lugo, ENL Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Lisa Miller, ENL Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Diane Ramjit, Special Education Coordinator: [email protected]
Ms. Hana Sharhan, Special Education Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Courtney Tolliver, Special Education Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Josephine Welsh, Special Education Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Annick Aska, College and Career Readiness Coordinator: [email protected]
Mr. Todd Bryant, Chef, CTE Culinary Program : [email protected]
Ms. Alliyah Dookie, College and Career Readiness Coordinator: [email protected]
Ms. Ashley Hall, Chef, CTE Culinary Program: [email protected]
Ms. Daneil Chambers , Internship Writing Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Scott Milliken, Guidance Counselor: [email protected]
Mr. David Gorkhover, Algebra and Geometry Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Vadim Manevich, Algebra and Personal Finance Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Kyshaya Adams: [email protected]
Ms. Danielle Tennant: [email protected]
Mr. Robert Cervone, Global History and Economics: [email protected]
Mr. Marcus Fennell, US History and Civics: [email protected]
Ms. Stephanie Siegel, Global History: [email protected]
Ms. Suzanne Goldenberg, Art Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Willie Jackson, PE: [email protected]
Ms. Dionna El, Outreach Worker: [email protected]
Ms. Kim Fields, Parent Coordinator: [email protected]
Ms. Diamond Onomake, School Counselor: [email protected]
Mr. Mohammed Rahman, School Counselor: [email protected]
Ms. Catherine Shimabuku-Orbe, School Counselor : [email protected]
Ms. Maleeka Spragion, Behavior Specialist : [email protected]
Ms. Lisa Dickler Awano,
Development Specialist of Method for Writing the Research Paper,
ELA Teacher and Social Justice Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Richard Seibert, ELA Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Nyddia Lugo, ENL Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Lisa Miller, ENL Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Diane Ramjit, Special Education Coordinator: [email protected]
Ms. Hana Sharhan, Special Education Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Courtney Tolliver, Special Education Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Josephine Welsh, Special Education Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Annick Aska, College and Career Readiness Coordinator: [email protected]
Mr. Todd Bryant, Chef, CTE Culinary Program : [email protected]
Ms. Alliyah Dookie, College and Career Readiness Coordinator: [email protected]
Ms. Ashley Hall, Chef, CTE Culinary Program: [email protected]
Ms. Daneil Chambers , Internship Writing Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Scott Milliken, Guidance Counselor: [email protected]
Mr. David Gorkhover, Algebra and Geometry Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Vadim Manevich, Algebra and Personal Finance Teacher: [email protected]
Ms. Kyshaya Adams: [email protected]
Ms. Danielle Tennant: [email protected]
Mr. Robert Cervone, Global History and Economics: [email protected]
Mr. Marcus Fennell, US History and Civics: [email protected]
Ms. Stephanie Siegel, Global History: [email protected]
Ms. Suzanne Goldenberg, Art Teacher: [email protected]
Mr. Willie Jackson, PE: [email protected]
Ms. Dionna El, Outreach Worker: [email protected]
Ms. Kim Fields, Parent Coordinator: [email protected]
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 education and equity for all students. 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]
I began my career at New Dawn as an Internship Coordinator and have grown within the organization, serving in multiple leadership roles including Safety Committee Leader, Athletic Director, Regents Lead, and PLC Lead, before becoming Dean of Schools in January 2022.
In my current role, I focus on building strong school culture through the design and implementation of schoolwide systems, with an emphasis on restorative justice practices and student support.
Prior to becoming Dean, I taught Physical Education and Health for twelve years and served as Head Basketball Coach for fourteen years at New Dawn.
I am deeply committed to New Dawn’s mission of transforming students’ lives. As a former transfer student who was over-aged and under-credited, I understand firsthand the challenges our students face. With the support of mentors and educators, I successfully earned my diploma, and I strive to provide that same level of guidance and support to help our students reach their full potential.
Email: [email protected]
I am a school counselor dedicated to helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.
Email: [email protected]
With an MSED in Mental Health Counseling from CUNY Hunter College and a background in education and youth development, I work as a Mental Health Counselor at NDCHS, supporting teenagers and young adults in their academic, emotional, social, and overall well-being.
My approach is client-centered and collaborative, creating a safe space where clients can explore, reflect, and build the tools they need to thrive. I believe everyone has strengths, and I honor each person’s past experiences—including the impact of trauma and obstacles—while working collaboratively to empower them on their unique journey. I am committed to reducing the stigma around mental health, normalizing counseling and seeking support, and acknowledging that growth looks different for everyone.
