Future Leaders Institute Charter School

Peter has over 16 years experience in public and private education as a teacher and administrator. Although the bulk of his teaching experience is with middle school students, Peter has taught students from every grade level from Kindergarten through college. He has also worked in schools as a coach of track and field, debate and drama. Prior to working at FLI, Peter was the Associate Head of School for six years at St. Philip's Academy, an independent K-8 school in Newark, NJ. He also served as the principal of two New Jersey parochial schools, in Tranquility and Waldwick. In addition, Peter has worked with Public/Private Ventures, a non-profit research corporation and New Jersey SEEDS, an organization that works with students from disadvantaged backgrounds and helps to place them in selective junior high and secondary schools. Peter holds an undergraduate degree from Haverford College and graduate degrees from the London School of Economics and New York University.

Since receiving her M.P.S. in African and African-American Studies, Patricia has dedicated her time to serving communities in need. After receiving her Juris Doctorate, she joined Philadelphia’s Institute for the Advancement of Working Families (IAWF), a 501 (c)(3) forensic education, behavioral change, and employment services corporation. At IAWF she ultimately served as the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement and Director of Human Resources. When she returned to New York, she worked on various pharmaceutical, securities, and antitrust matters with major law firms. Most recently, Patricia served as the Associate Director of the Mercy College New Teacher Residency Program, a partnership program with the New York City Teaching Fellows Program.

FLI was selected as the first non-profit corporation to participate in the Columbia Business School Community Engagement Program (2008-2010). As the FLI delegate to the program, Patricia will work closely with Columbia’s faculty and alumni to address a wide range of business areas. The partnership will enable FLI to develop and implement a cutting edge approach to solving routine issues affecting local businesses. Patricia holds an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and her graduate degrees from the James E. Beasley School of Law at Temple University and Cornell University.

Julie moved to New York from Boston five years ago to join the New York City Teaching Fellows Program. While in Boston, she worked in advertising and in career development at her alma mater, College of the Holy Cross. Prior to her appointment as the K-2 Director of Instruction, Julie served as a Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade teacher with FLI. In addition to her invaluable contributions to FLI, Julie is the proud mother of a beautiful little girl named Winnie, after Winnie Mandela. Julie completed her master's degree in childhood education at City College.

Brie has worked with children for the past 10 years, as well as worked in Development and Fundraising for over 3 years. Most recently, Brie was the Development Associate for a private school in Newark where she planned and coordinated events. Brie joined FLI in September of 2008 where she will oversee grants and all fundraising efforts. Brie received a B.A. in Social Work from Millersville University and her Master’s in Social work from Rutgers University.

Melinda joined FLI in early 2005. At FLI, she has developed strong relationships with parents, students, teachers, and staff. Before FLI, she worked in the medical field for 15 years. Melinda is the mother of two beautiful daughters, Jasmine and Meghan. She graduated from Bronx Community College with a double major in Community Health and Biology.

Mavia has worked in the Administrative Assistant field for more than 20 years. She brings to FLI her superb organization skills, cheerful personality, and a smile that brightens the day. Mavia has an immense love for children. She migrated from the Caribbean island of Dominica, where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. New York City has been her home for the past 16 years.