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Faculty

Passionate, expert teachers who believe that with the right support and encouragement, any student can excel

Expert Educators

Ask any BASIS Independent student what makes their school different and they will tell you “the teachers.” The foundation of our culture and the success of our students lies in the hands of our faculty.

As educators, our goal is for students to always want “more.” Inspiring students comes easy when teachers are truly excited about their material and have deep expertise in their discipline, whether elementary pedagogy, musical theater, or astrophysics. Our teachers light a fire in the heart and mind of every student, helping them discover their passions and leaving an indelible mark on their scholastic experience.

Explore Our Teaching Philosophies
Leigh Amy
Ms. Amy
Math & Science

Ms. Amy Subject Expert Teacher  |  Primary Program

Ms. Amy graduated cum laude from Tulane University with a double major in History and Classical Studies, two subjects for which she has great passion. Thereafter, she earned her Master of Education in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. After teaching stints in Florida, Ms. Amy moved to New York and worked as an educator at The Long Island Museum. There, she taught classes of elementary and middle school children about art and history when they visited with their schools. As an Early Learning Teacher, Ms. Amy’s goal is to pass on her love of learning to her students while helping them build long-lasting friendships with their peers. She chose BASIS Independent Manhattan due to the robust curriculum and focus on helping students become well-rounded. “It’s important for students to be challenged academically, but school should also contribute to their social and emotional growth as well”, says Ms. Amy. In her spare time, Ms. Amy loves to read, spend time with her family, and travel. Fun fact: She has visited forty states and their capitals. She hopes to see the other ten in the years to come!

Ms. Bond
Ms. Bond
English & Logic

Ms. Bond Subject Expert Teacher  |  Middle & High School

Ms. Bond, a Chicago native, holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Theology from Dominican University, complemented by a transformative year studying philosophy, religion, and Shakespeare at the University of Oxford.

With five years of dedicated teaching experience at Success Academy, Ms. Bond has honed her craft in English Language Arts across various grade levels. Passionate about fostering critical thinking and a love of language, she is committed to preparing students for academic and personal success.

Drawn to BASIS Independent Manhattan’s emphasis on intellectual curiosity and rigorous academics, Ms. Bond is excited to contribute to the school’s vibrant learning community. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys staying active through running and exploring the culinary world.

Lizzie Boscolo
Ms. Boscolo
Drama

Ms. Boscolo Subject Expert Teacher  |  Early Learning & Primary Program

Ms. Boscolo is a K-12 New York State certified theatre teacher. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Theatre from NYU, in addition to an undergraduate degree in Child Psychology. Since joining BASIS Independent Manhattan in 2020, Ms. Boscolo has spearheaded a robust drama program. She directs the winter musical which features our grade 1-5 students. Past shows include Seussical, The Magic Tree House, and The Jungle Book! While she values her artistic work, Ms. Boscolo finds the most fulfillment when working with students. She believes the arts are an integral part of any student’s education and development and is thrilled to work with a community that feels the same!

Joselyne Campos
Mx. Campos
English

Mx. Campos Subject Expert Teacher  |  High School

In 2019, Mx. Campos graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a focus on queer studies and women and gender studies. Afterward, she attended Northern Michigan University (NMU) and completed their Master of Arts in English with a concentration in rhetoric and pedagogy as a fully-funded graduate student. At NMU, Mx. Campos primarily taught rhetoric courses. After completing their master’s program, she became a diversity, equity, and inclusion research consultant for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2022, the Florida State University College of Nursing established the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, and Mx. Campos joined the team as a subject matter research consultant as part of a grant from the National Institutes of Health to redesign HIV prevention and care interventions. As much as Mx. Campos enjoyed working in research, she could not ignore their love for teaching and returned to the classroom. She finds it most exciting to strengthen students’ literacy skills and expand their perspectives on language, discourse, and communication. Outside of the classroom, you can find Mx. Campos in the park with their two dogs or spending time with their community!

Rebecca Chubaryov
Dr. Chubaryov
Biology

Dr. Chubaryov Subject Expert Teacher  |  High School

Dr. Chubaryov’s interest in biology began as a teenager during her first biology class, where she became captivated by the complexity and beauty of life, particularly at the molecular level. This early inspiration led her to earn her Bachelor of Science from Binghamton University in 2019, where she also gained experience as both an undergraduate teaching assistant and a research assistant.

Dr. Chubaryov continued her academic journey by pursuing a Doctorate in Biology from 2019 to 2025. During this time, she served as a teaching assistant for several undergraduate biology courses and received a Reviewer’s Choice Abstract Award at the American Society of Human Genetics national conference for her research on Hirschsprung’s Disease. These experiences deepened her passion for both scientific discovery and teaching.

Dr. C, as she invites her students to call her, chose BASIS Independent Manhattan because of its strong academic focus and the commitment to excellence for both faculty and students. As a Subject Expert Teacher, her goal is to foster not just knowledge, but also curiosity in the classroom—helping students see both the beauty and relevance of science in their everyday lives. In addition to biology, Dr. Chubaryov also teaches AP Environmental Science and Senior Health.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Chubaryov enjoys spending time with family and friends or heading to the dog park with her dog, Charlie.

Abby Conway
Ms. Conway

Ms. Conway Teaching Fellow

Originally from Connecticut, Ms. Conway stayed on the East Coast to attend Colby College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. At Colby, she was a student-athlete on the women’s rowing team and a mentor to a local student for four years. She also assisted in running a mentoring program called Colby Cares About Kids. Most recently, Ms. Conway taught third grade at a charter school in the Bronx. She has also spent many summers as a camp counselor, and she ran her own camp in 2020. Ms. Conway was drawn to BASIS Independent Manhattan for its strong sense of community, its emphasis on social-emotional learning, and its academic rigor. She is thrilled to be part of the Wildcat community, where she can connect with each student on an individual level and help them reach their goals.

Na Fan
Ms. Fan
Mandarin

Ms. Fan Subject Expert Teacher  |  Middle & High School

Ms. Fan earned her bachelor’s degree in English Education from Ningxia University in China. During this time, she found her passion for education upon establishing a tutoring center teaching English to middle and high school students. From there, she began what would become a fulfilling career as an educator. In 2010, Ms. Fan moved to New York and began teaching Mandarin using a series of teaching materials she developed that captivated students’ interest and made language learning a joyful experience. In 2014, she became a founding faculty member at BASIS Independent Brooklyn and proudly served as the first and only Mandarin teacher for all grade levels. She found being part of the school’s inception incredibly rewarding, and that experience solidified her commitment to delivering exceptional education. After returning to China in 2017 with her family, Ms. Fan further honed her skills as an educator by launching two English training schools with an innovative approach that has served over 700 families. She was thrilled to return to the BASIS Independent Schools family by joining the Wildcats in Manhattan, where the school’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and a robust curriculum aligns perfectly with her teaching philosophy. As an educator, her goal is to foster an engaging and inclusive learning environment for every student. She is passionate about empowering young minds, nurturing their curiosity, and instilling a love for languages and cultures. Outside the classroom, Ms. Fan enjoys reading, meditation, swimming, and spending time with her family. Cooking is another passion of hers because it allows for creative exploration while nourishing herself and others/those around her. She finds it a delightful way to embrace different flavors and cultures.

Christopher Floyd
Mr. Floyd
Science

Mr. Floyd Subject Expert Teacher  |  Primary Program

Mr. Floyd received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Kentucky. Following college, he pursued an acting career in Los Angeles while working as a personal childcare provider for multiple families. He also produced a children’s obstacle course race at Tough Mudder. These experiences were formative for Mr. Floyd and resulted in his desire to pursue work with children. Mr. Floyd returned to the East Coast and has spent the last three-plus years teaching pre-school in Brooklyn. During this time, he found his footing as an educator and developed his teaching approach that incorporates his other passions, such as storytelling, music, and movement. He is thrilled to join BASIS Independent Manhattan and use these methods in his role as a Teaching Fellow at the Lower School. Outside of teaching, Mr. Floyd likes to unwind with music, whether playing his guitar or attending a concert. He also enjoys playing basketball, either shooting around at the park or cheering from the stands.

Arlinda Hadzibrahimi
Ms. Hadzibrahimi

Ms. Hadzibrahimi Learning Expert Teacher

Ms. Hadzibrahimi graduated from the University at Buffalo with Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Early Childhood Education. While earning her Bachelors, she worked at her university’s early childhood research centers, where she enhanced her knowledge of childhood development and curriculum design. After graduating, Ms. Arlinda continued to work with children in private school settings within New York City. As a Learning Expert Teaching, Ms. Arlinda strives to support children while they embark on a journey to making discoveries about themselves and the world. She believes children do this best through play. It is Ms. Arlinda’s goal to incorporate play within a challenging, and hands-on curriculum, to foster children’s curiosity and creativity. “I am very excited to join the BASIS Independent Manhattan team,” she says. “The joyful learning culture reflects why I am so passionate about teaching. Learning is fun! With this attitude and some hard work, any child can excel.” Outside of the classroom, Ms. Arlinda enjoys doing yoga, reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

Madeline Hally
Ms. Hally
Music

Ms. Hally Subject Expert Teacher  |  Middle & High School

Ms. Hally received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in saxophone in 2020 from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She received her master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan in a summer-only program in 2024, where she completed a thesis focused on the experiences of visually impaired musicians.

Before her position as the Music and Band Subject Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Manhattan, Ms. Hally taught band and general music in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Her goal as an educator is to foster a lifelong love and appreciation for music with her students through diverse and creative experiences. She chose BASIS Independent Manhattan because of the welcoming faculty and dedicated students. Outside of school, Ms. Hally enjoys playing the saxophone and spending time with her cats, Jojo and Max.

Kelly Harrison
Ms. Harrison
Physical Geography & Science

Ms. Harrison Subject Expert Teacher

Ms. Harrison has been living and teaching in New York since 2014. She grew up in a military family in Coronado, California, moving frequently as a child. Her favorite of all the places was Naples, Italy, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in English. She continued her Elementary Education (K-6) studies at the University of North Florida while raising her own family. Ms. Harrison began her career in the kindergarten classroom but has taught at every grade level over her two decades as an educator. She is thrilled to be at BASIS Independent Manhattan as a Teaching Fellow and returning to her first love, the wonderful world of kindergarten. Ms. Harrison is excited to bring her love of teaching and learning to BASIS Independent Manhattan and help create a joyful learning environment where students can achieve excellence. Outside of school, Ms. Harrison loves attending Broadway shows, eating at the amazing array of restaurants in New York City, and traveling with her family.

Tyler Heidgerd
Mr. Heidgerd
Physical Education

Mr. Heidgerd Subject Expert Teacher  |  Early Learning & Primary Program

Mr. Heidgerd received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Concordia University in Irvine, CA. He obtained a master’s degree in Physical Education from Manhattanville College. Over the summer, he runs and helps coach a sports camp program. He is also a certified personal trainer specializing in youth fitness and athlete development. As a Physical Education Subject Expert Teacher, Mr. Heidgerd believes that physical activity and movement are essential to overall well-being and strives to ensure every student understands its life-long importance. He believes BASIS Independent Manhattan offers the ability to enrich students with these values through a comprehensive physical education curriculum. Mr. Heidgerd loves to be physically active by exercising, boxing, and hiking. He is a huge sports fan and loves rooting for the Yankees, Jets, and Knicks. Mr. Heidgerd has an affinity for superheroes and spends much of his free time enjoying superhero-related comics, video games, movies, and shows.

Cory Herschkowitz
Mr. Herschkowitz
History

Mr. Herschkowitz Subject Expert Teacher  |  Middle & High School

Mr. Herschkowitz earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from The Ohio State University in 2023, where he concentrated in Peace, Power, and Diplomacy; Religion in History; and Power, Culture, and Society.

 

Before joining BASIS Independent Manhattan, Mr. Herschkowitz taught fifth grade history at Success Academy Ozone Park Middle School. During his previous role, he developed a deep passion for curriculum design, conceptualizing what students are learning, and connecting new material to their prior knowledge.

 

As a BASIS Independent Manhattan educator, his goal is to foster a learning environment where students are empowered to think critically and objectively, come to their own conclusions, communicate clearly, and appreciate the usefulness and importance of history. He chose BASIS Independent Manhattan because of its commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a strong community. He is excited to join a community that values rigor and creativity.

 

When he is not in the classroom, Mr. Herschkowitz enjoys exploring New York City’s food scene, playing video games, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. A fun fact about him is that he is currently learning Russian on Duolingo, and enjoys a puzzle, riddle, and brainteaser, as well as a good dad joke.

Catherine Hill
Ms. Hill
History

Ms. Hill Subject Expert Teacher  |  Middle School

Ms. Hill received a Bachelor of Arts in History and International Studies from Arcadia University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Medieval and Renaissance Studies from Columbia University and completed an additional certification in Classical Studies, also from Columbia. It was during her time studying abroad in Scotland and Greece that Ms. Hill discovered her passion for history and a calling to pursue academia. She is dedicated to bringing her experience as a scholar into the classroom and school setting so that every student can discover something that excites them.

Ms. Hill has been a History, Latin, and Classics Subject Expert Teacher for grades 4-5, and she is entering her third year as the network-wide Subject Advisor (SAD) for Latin and Classics. For two years, Ms. Hill excelled as the Lower School’s Academic Programs Coordinator, before following her passion to return to the classroom as an Upper School History Subject Expert Teacher.

Ms. Hill is thrilled to be a part of BASIS Independent Manhattan’s competitive global approach to pedagogy and have the opportunity to share her enthusiasm for Classics with her students. Outside of the classroom, you can find Ms. Hill walking her cat Frasier in Central Park or catching a play in the Theater District.

Jin Ji
Ms. Ji
Mandarin

Ms. Ji Subject Expert Teacher  |  Early Learning & Primary Program

Ms. Ji was born and raised in Suzhou, China, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Soochow University, China. She also earned a Master of Education degree from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). Ms. Ji spent eight years teaching at PreK-12 independent schools in Florida. In 2017, Ms. Ji was awarded Florida Foreign Language Association’s Most Valuable Mandarin Teacher. Ms. Ji believes that piquing a student’s interest in Chinese is one of the most effective ways to teach the language, and instruction should be designed to meet the needs of each student to ensure their success. On why she was drawn to BASIS Independent Manhattan, Ms Ji says, “The teaching approach with advanced, immersive coursework from PreK through high school is simply the way I was taught as a child growing up in China.” Ms. Ji is an avid traveler, a movie buff, and she enjoys baking in her free time.

Jad Kaado
Mr. Kaado
Classics, History, Latin

Mr. Kaado Subject Expert Teacher  |  Primary Program

Mr. Kaado is a New Jersey-based academic and writer with experience in archaeology, history, journalism, and creative writing. He received his master’s degree in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations from the University of Toronto (2011). Mr. Kaado is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Classics (2009). Mr. Kaado taught at Rutgers University and Middlesex College as an adjunct professor for expository writing and world history. He also has experience working as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in primary and middle schools within the New Jersey public school system. As a Classics, Latin, and History Subject Expert Teacher, Mr. Kaado’s goal is to explore the beautiful and complex cultures of the Mediterranean and the world through the lens of history and language. He also aims to incorporate material culture, ancient architecture, and archaeological site exploration in the curriculum. When he is not teaching, Mr. Kaado is focused on creative writing and speculative fiction. He enjoys art, comic books, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. In 2019, Mr. Kaado traveled to Rome, Milan, Annecy, and Geneva, exploring the rich history and cultures of Europe. He also participated in archaeological excavations in Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.

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BASIS Independent Manhattan
Lower School |
PreK—Grade 5
795 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10025
(929) 220-3800
Upper School |
Grade 6—Grade 12
556 West 22nd Street
New York, NY 10011
(929) 362-6308

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Headquartered in Campbell, California, Spring Education Group is majority-owned by investment funds administered by Primavera Holdings Limited, an investment firm owned by Chinese persons and principally based in Hong Kong with operations in the United States, China and Singapore.

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